Police are trying to prevent burglaries by shouting crime prevention advice at residents through megaphones.

Northamptonshire officers are patrolling residential streets, bellowing: "This is the police. Shut your windows and lock your doors. Don't let burglars in." They have even been told to enter unlocked properties - and to wake householders if they are asleep.

The force claims a marked drop in crime since the scheme was launched two weeks ago following a spate of burglaries in Northampton.

But locals have called it intrusive and patronising and say the reason they have fallen is because police are on the streets.

Shirley Partridge, 75, of Northampton, said: "I don't want officers coming into my house and bellowing at me, telling me to lock my windows and doors." Police said they would only enter properties where doors were left ajar..